Mission Essential

A Sneak Peek

On the first day of shooting "Special Ops Mission" for the Military Channel, I was caked in sweat and dirt and bleeding.

Branches stuck me everywhere my body armor did not protect. And this was in the first few hours as I tried to simply reach my target through thick desert brush - I hadn't even taken on the objectives of my mission. When I enlisted to be a part of this television show about Special Operations, I did not realize how hard and realistic the filming would actually be - and this coming from a former Army Ranger and Air Force Pararescueman.

Wil Willis onboard the S.S. Lane Victory filming "Special Ops Mission" Photo courtesy of Discovery Communications (c) 2009

This summer, "Special Ops Mission" will provide an inside view of skilled military operators using their tactical abilities in a realistic environment. This previously had only been possible for the elite few who undertake actual covert military operations. The show pits me against an "opposition force" of highly trained operators from all branches of the military. I must outwit or defeat the team to complete my assigned objectives and overall mission, which have been inspired by scenarios Special Operations teams currently face overseas.

"Special Ops Mission" took me everywhere from urban environments locating and freeing hostages inside a catacomb of buildings to the bowels of a pirated Merchant Marine gun ship, where I lurked undetected. From traversing a mountain with upwards of five feet of snow to keeping myself hydrated under the searing desert sun, each episode provides the opportunity to display tactics and techniques employed by Special Ops. The trick is not to get bogged down in tutorials, because there is always an opposition force hunting me down.

★★★

Authenticity is what our production team stressed throughout the creation of "Special Ops Mission." I, too, am inspired by members of the audience, who, like myself, have for years yelled at TV and movie screens because the tactics were not being used correctly or corners had been cut to make things easier for the actors. For example, despite the majority of the audience not being able to recognize if somebody is wearing ceramic plates in their body armor or not, I wear the plates while shooting. I do this because I am one of those guys who sits on my couch and scoffs at depictions of Special Operations Forces in other movies when I can tell things are inauthentic.

One of my favorite features of the show is the use of "Simunition," a non-lethal training ammunition that is only available to the military. Simunition is like a paintball, but much, much harder. Both the opposition force and I are outfitted with Simunition and while obviously these rounds are not lethal, it is like being shot with a metal ball bearing and leaves quite a welt. The use of Simunition adds to the production value of the series because it eliminates the "Rambo-effect," where people feel comfortable shooting from out in the open or charging the enemy because the effects of being shot are minimal.

People have asked me how I take on these opposition forces when I am shadowed by an entire film crew - which admittedly would be difficult if I am trying to conceal my location in order to complete a mission. We met this challenge by using a trait intrinsic to every Special Operations member - multitasking. In addition to my gear, I carry two high-definition cameras, including one that is mounted to my M4 assault weapon. These cameras capture the action from my perspective and allow me to document my decision-making process throughout the mission. Therefore, viewers are provided with the unique experience of seeing a covert operation in real time. They also attain a better understanding of the tactical abilities necessary to be a successful military operator through these realistic scenarios and settings.

Shooting "Special Ops Mission" has been the time of my life. I have been able to share my knowledge of Special Operations and my extensive training to give a wider understanding of the real threats our military face every day. But more rewarding is showcasing the skills and abilities of our Special Operations Forces, who play such a crucial role in preserving our freedom and the American way of life.

Wil Willis, former Army Ranger and Air Force Pararescueman, is the host of "Special Ops Mission."